Did Amar Kaushik, Vicky give up alcohol and non-veg for Mahavatar? the director answers
Director Amar Kaushik has dismissed speculations about him and Vicky Kaushal adopting dietary restrictions for their upcoming film ‘Mahavatar’, while clarifying the current status and background of the project.
Speculations about filmmakers Amar Kaushik and Vicky Kaushal preparing for ‘Mahavatar’ have been quashed by the director, who has dismissed reports that he and the actors will abstain from alcohol and non-vegetarian food for the project. The film, based on the life of Chiranjeevu Parasuram, is in pre-production and is expected to begin filming in 2026 after Kaushal completes his current commitments. Amid ongoing rumors about the personal choices of the cast and crew, fans have been urged to only rely on official updates from the film’s team.
Several reports suggested that both Kaushik and Kaushal Will be making significant lifestyle changes in anticipation of his work on ‘Mahavatar’, including abstaining from alcohol and non-vegetarian food as a sign of respect for the film’s theme. However, Kaushik has said that such decisions have not been made or announced by the team, asking viewers to disregard any unofficial information.
in an interview with FilmygyanAmar Kaushik was direct in dismissing the rumours. He said, “Again, I am saying the same thing. Where do such rumors come from? Please, stop it. Believe only when we say so officially.” Kaushik stressed that all updates regarding the film’s preparations and any personal commitments of the cast or crew would come from official sources.
A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama had quoted a source as revealing that “A film like Mahavatar requires complete focus, and the duo (Vicky Kaushal and Amar Kaushik) have decided to give everything to make it a pure spectacle for the cinema-going audience. They have decided to give up non-veg food, and will begin their preparations for the film with a grand puja ceremony in the middle of next year.”
Addressing the scale and creative challenges of the film, Kaushik explained, “I didn’t know how to approach it because it required significant resources and extensive VFX. I also wanted to make sure it stayed true to the vision I had in mind.” Set design and costume preparation is underway, and production is set to begin after Vicky Kaushal wraps up his current projects.
Vicky Kaushal’s involvement was confirmed last year when he shared a motion poster on social media, saying, “Dinesh Vijan brings to life the story of the eternal warrior of Dharma! Vicky Kaushal stars as Chiranjeevi Parashuram in #Mahavatar directed by Amar Kaushik. Coming to theaters – Christmas 2026!” This announcement has created anticipation for the release of the film.
Taking inspiration from personal experience, Kaushik shared that the inspiration for ‘Mahavatar’ came from his upbringing in Arunachal Pradesh: “This film is a huge responsibility for me in my career. It has come from God because this character has been with me since childhood. We lived next to Parashuram Kund in Arunachal Pradesh and visited it often. It was a ritual at our home, and every visit thrilled me deeply.”
Meanwhile, Kaushik’s recent horror-comedy ‘Thamma’ stars actor Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal, Sathyaraj and others in lead roles.